"Hey Matt... Don't let the door hit yah on the way out!! "
Iowa State hires Washington State coach to replace Matt Campbell
Story by Creg Stephenson, al.com
Iowa State moved quickly to replace Matt Campbell, hiring Washington State’s Jimmy Rogers on Friday to take over as head football coach.
The Cyclones actually announced Rogers’ arrival before Penn State had even officially announced Campbell’s hiring. Campbell left Iowa State after 10 seasons in which he went 72-55, including 8-4 this season.
“My family and I are excited to be joining the Iowa State University community and the Cyclone football program,” Rogers said. “Iowa State has been one of the nation’s top programs for the last decade and we look forward to building upon its upward trajectory. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that Jamie Pollard has given me to lead the Cyclones.
“From the administration, to the alumni and current student-athletes, this University has everything needed to compete at the highest level in college football. I am honored to be given this opportunity and responsibility and cannot wait to get started.”
The 38-year-old Rogers spent just one season as head coach at Washington State, going 6-6. Prior to that, he went 27-3 in two seasons at South Dakota State, winning an FCS national championship in 2023 and reaching the semifinals in 2024.
Rogers grew up in Arizona, but played linebacker at South Dakota State and later spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach for the Jackrabbits. Prior to being elevated to head coach, he was assistant head coach and defensive coordinator from 2019-22.
“Jimmy Rogers is a rising star in college athletics who has very strong ties to the Midwest both as a player and as a coach,” Iowa State athletics director Jamie Pollard said. “He has been on my short-list ever since the first time I met him. He immediately impressed me with his interest in Iowa State University and told me during our first visit several years ago that he wanted to be the next head coach at Iowa State.
“Since our initial meeting, I have stayed in close contact with him and have been very impressed with his work ethic and understanding of what it takes to be successful at Iowa State. He is a proven winner who has demonstrated throughout his career that he will fit our culture.”